From the desk of Executive Director Yolanda Randles

June 2023 Edition

The West Fresno Family Resource Center is excited to share with you its summary report for 2022. Last year was one of our most productive years. This report showcases how the resource center delivers the work directly to clients as well as how we work with community partners to make it happen.

The summary looks at key highlights of the year, but most importantly, it shows our journey of growth, of serving and of making a difference in the lives of families and individuals in 93706.

This year, we have added new programs to serve the community. They include, Health Disparities Project, HEAR US, CAL- AIM, Violence Intervention and Prevention, Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) Project. We also will continue with our signature programs, such as the Sweet Potato Project, the Back Pack Give Away, Food Distribution, Advancing Health Literacy, Families Together, Gladiator Welding Program, Emergency Rental Assistance, Sickle Cell Care and COVID Vaccinations.

As you peruse the report and have questions, concerns or comments, please contact me. We most certainly thank you for your continuous support as we could not do this important work without you.

To see the complete report, please visit our website, www.wfresnofrc.org or click below.

Annual Report Summary 2022

POPS 2.0 helping Dads

When Rahmaan Sabree was awarded full custody of his 10-year old daughter, his goal was to be a great, responsible parent, but he was overwhelmed.

That all changed when he received a listing of different parenting organizations, which included a program called POPS 2.0 - Proving our Parenting Skills. POPS uses parenting skills to help fathers improve their relationships with their children as well as with the mothers of their children. POPS is sometimes referred to as the Fatherhood Initiative. It’s a partnership between the West Fresno Family Resource Center and Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission. Rick Darrough, is the transitional support advisor for POPS.

The initiative consists of a six week course that is a mixture of online and in-person sessions. Sabree at first was apprehensive to open up in the group. After a few meetings, Sabree was sharing, listening and learning. “I am now able to speak out and speak my mind without being rude,’’ he said. “I am listening more instead of talking more.”

“We listen to everyone’s perspective,’’ Darrough said. “ We benefit from each other. We have created a safe space where men can express themselves. Typically, most programs have been geared toward women and helping expectant mothers. New fathers are going through psychological changes and they need a place to vent, people to talk to and an understanding shoulder to lean on. Fathers sometimes just need somebody to tell them, “Hey, everything is going to be all right.”

Since attending POPS, Sabree said he and others close to him have noticed a positive change in him. He is more sure of himself and of the decisions that he makes when it comes to his family, thanks to the classes and men in POPS.

“I learned that with this group there are plenty of others who feel the same way,’’ he said. “Having someone to talk to and getting insight from other fathers has helped me a lot.”

The next POPS classes begin July 8, 2023. To sign up or to get more information, please call 559-264-1048.

Save the date

We are excited to announce that the annual back to school event will be held at Chukchansi Park this year. Bus service will be provided. Parents and their children will be able to watch a Grizzles game and get school supplies. It’ all free.

Free back packs and school supplies. Free Clothes. Free Food.

More information to come!!!

Growing with Sweet Potatoes

Youth in the Sweet Potato Project are already deeply entrenched in another busy season. In addition learning about sweet potatoes, youth have attended sessions that focuses on resiliency and overcoming problems at home and school. They have been in the field and planted more than 100 slips of potatoes. The youth are also volunteering and showcasing their sweet potato products at events such as the Juneteenth celebration.

“This hands on project keeps youth busy, as our goal is to equip youth with life lessons using sweet potatoes metaphorically,’’ said Patrick Hamilton, manager of the program. “We really want to give our youth hope.’’

In addition, the Sweet Potato Project is a prevention program that aims to prevent and/or reduce school drop-out, gang involvement, and substance use initiation for African American youth ages 12-15 by decreasing internalized oppression, hopelessness, and low collective efficacy, while increasing engagement in collective economic activity, college intentions, mentoring, and leadership development.

Students will be back in the field in July, weeding and watering the potatoes they planted. To gain college experience, the youth will spend the night in the dorms at California State University, Fresno. They also will take classes from college professors and college students that focuses on marketing and entrepreneurship. During this time, students will work in groups to come up with products from the sweet potatoes. They will present their products in a Shark Tank-style event at Fresno State. Judges will select the winning products.

Residents can support the program by purchasing sweet potatoes in October and November.

For more information, please contact Patrick Hamilton at (559) 621-2967.

Painting to bring awareness to Sickle Cell

The "Paint and Unwind" Sickle Cell Awareness Night was a huge success in May. Adults and children enjoyed the self-care raffle gifts, refreshments, and the painting. The Center will be sponsoring other events to bring awareness of Sickle Cell Disease and Trait.

For more information, please call Toni Wilson at (559) 621-2967.